Meet 2016 QAF Funded Awardee MachineHDance

MachineHDance was founded in 2013 by Stephanie Deere in order to create an outlet to explore the relationship between self and the larger community. A community is made up of a number of selves and change within self is the only way to begin change within a community. It is our mission to use dance as a medium for self-exploration in specific social, political, and cultural contexts.

1. Can you tell us about your QAF funded project?

Stephanie Deere, the artistic and executive director of MachineHDance is organizing the first youth outreach program of its kind! "INterACTION" is a summer dance intensive for children ages 7-14 taking place August 1st-7th at The Secret Theatre. Students will take part in a first-rate class schedule Monday-Friday and then be incorporated into a professionally produced performance alongside MachineHDance company members. Due to funding from the QCA, "INterACTION" costs only $100 for the entire program including a specially printed T-shirt for dancers and 2 tickets to the performance for parents.

Performances will be open to the public for $15/ticket: Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City.

2. How do you think this project will impact the community?

"INterACTION" will be providing affordable dance instruction to youth and also present an affordable professional performance in Queens, bringing dance closer to home. It is Miss Deere’s vision and part of the MachineHDance mission to close the disparity in the dance community. Miss Deere states, “What better way to improve dance accessibility than to start with our youth right here in our home borough? Queens is the most diverse urban area in the entire world! I think the arts, specifically dance, should reflect that. ‘INterACTION’ participants won’t just be learning choreography; they will be an integral part of the creative process. This performance will reflect who these children are as much as it will reflect the professionals involved.”

3. How has QCA been helpful in the grant process?

QCA is an invaluable resource, giving artists the opportunity to share their work on a broader spectrum. Their team has a vast knowledge of the artistic community in Queens and has been so instrumental in helping me tailor this program to reach its full potential.

4. Here is your chance, what do you want everyone to know about you as an artist and your process?

While MachineHDance is in its third year and still growing, it is our desire to share dance and dance education on a global level. Stephanie Deere feels extremely blessed to have the support of QCA for "INterACTION", the first MachineHDance outreach program. We hope to continue to share dance and reach an even wider audience. For information about us, and to see other upcoming MachineHDance projects, please visit machinehdance.com.